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EDUCATE BEFORE YOU MEDICATE!
DO YOUR
This site has been developed for the purpose of education and support for parents, guardians and their family members to help educate before you medicate. Please take a look at all of the articles that are included in this web site. We seek to provide original, trustworthy, up-to-date and personalized online medication information.
This medication page has a great deal of information for you to get started however, your best source of information should come from your doctor. We do not promote or discriminate the use of medication, we wish to inform you of the benefits and possible health risks that can be a direct result of administering Ritalin and other psychiatric drugs to children. As a parent, you need to take an active role in your child’s medical treatment. Being informed will help you and your child with making informed decisions to best suit the child’s needs. For medical treatments to be effective both you and your child should feel comfortable with the doctor. Your child should have an open, trusting relationship with the doctor so that the child will be able to speak freely about any medical needs or concerns they may have. Parents and children should be properly inform by the doctor of the risks and possible side effects of medication so your child can recognize them if they were to occur. By taking these medications will the benefits outway the risk. Be a careful observer and monitor your child’s medications effectiveness. Medical treatment when absolutely necessary can help most children and can bring beneficial effects as well as an assortment of unwanted side effects. Working together with your child, your child’s physician and school is an (Absolute Must) for your child to have the most effective treatment plan.
(This Site Does Not Provide Medical Advice)
The information, educational materials, monographs, services, data, artwork, text, video, audio, or pictures contained on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. The information and materials on this site are provided for general information purposes and may not be relied on as a substitute for actual professional medical advice, care or treatment. Information on this web site is subject to change without prior notice. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, we make no guarantees that the Information is not in fact current and accurate, nor does this site make any other guarantees. The web site may contain information that is created and maintained by a variety of sources external to the foster parent associations’ web site. We do not moderate these other sites, which may contain the personal opinions and other expressions of the persons who post the entries appearing on those sites. This site does not control, monitor, or guarantee the information contained in these sites, or information contained in links to other external web sites, and does not endorse any views expressed therein or any products or services offered therein. Proceed with caution and do your own research.
EDUCATE BEFORE YOU MEDICATE!
Adhd Psychostimulant Drugs - Some Uncomfortable Facts for Parents
Ritalin 
Health Canda Advisory: ADHD drugs are generally safe and provide benefits for Canadians and their treatment of ADHD when used as directed. Decisions about taking any of the drugs are best made in consultation with a physician. Before using these drugs, patients should inform their doctor if they are involved in strenuous exercise or activities, are using other drugs for ADHD, have certain heart-related conditions or have a family history of sudden cardiac death. Health Canada stresses that patients should not stop taking ADHD medication without first consulting their doctors.All ADHD drugs stimulate the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system). The effects are usually mild or moderate, but in some patients, this stimulation may - in rare cases - result in cardiac arrests, strokes or sudden death.Patients taking ADHD drugs should consult with their physician if they have any questions or concerns. Read Health Canada:
The FDA has received reports establishing an association between ADHD medications and sudden death, strokes, hypertension, and heart attacks in both adults and children. In February of 2006, 81 deaths resulting from the use of ADHD drugs were reported to the FDA. Between 1999 and 2003, 45 non-fatal cardiovascualr events related to ADHD drugs were reported. It was recommended that black-box warnings be attached to all packaging of stimulant drugs like Adderal, Ritalin, and Concerta. After stroke or traumatic damages, both necrotic and apoptotic neuronal death cause a loss of functions including memory, sensory perception, and motor skills. From the fact that necrosis has a nature to expand, while apoptosis to cease the cell death cascade in the brain SIDE EFFECTS VIDEO Read More ChildStroke www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Dr. Thomas Dorman, a member of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom and fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, says, "In short, the whole business of creating psychiatric categories of 'disease,' formalizing them with consensus, and subsequently ascribing diagnostic codes to them, which in turn leads to their use for insurance billing, is nothing but an extended racket furnishing psychiatry a pseudo-scientific aura. The perpetrators are, of course, feeding at the public trough."
There are so many signs of unethical behavior and public deception that a full governmental investigation is warranted into the DSM. Currently, millions of children are being diagnose with some mental "disorder" in our schools based on the DSM, leading to their being prescribed WHY SO MUCH DRUGGING dangerous psychiatric drugs.
Although patients, families and the public were not informed - some would argue they were deceived - clinical psychiatrists and researchers have long known about severe adverse drug reactions (ADR) and disabling changes in the central nervous system in a high percentage of patients taking standard neuroleptic drugs. Foremost among these is "tardive dyskinesia" (TD), an often irreversible, disfiguring disorder of the central nervous system resulting in a variety of involuntary movements, particularly of the tongue, lips, and jaw. muscle movements which affects 40% to 60% of patients taking neuroleptics. Recent research findings corroborate earlier reports (since 1970) linking TD to a deterioration of cognitive functions
Brain injury following neuroleptic malignant syndrome:
Case study Neuroleptic malignant syndrome induced by haloperidol following traumatic brain injury
Neurological side effects of Risperidone:
Oculogyric Crisis usually occurs as a side effect of neuroleptic drug treatment. It is one of the acute dystonic reactions. It is the most common of the ocular dystonic reactions (which include blepharospasm, periorbital twitches, and protracted staring episodes).
Risperdal is an atypical anti-psychotic drug that balances the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It helps to stabilize patients with mental illness including the manic stages of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However Risperdal has been prescribed not just for people with mental illness, but also for children and the elderly who have behavioral and conduct disorders and for autism. Studies have only approved Risperdal for use with adults, not children. Children on Risperdal could retain lasting side effects.
Side effects of Risperdal can include abdominal pain, vomiting, dry mouth, agitation, aggression, anxiety, chest pain, coughing, involuntary movement, nasal inflammation, lack of coordination, dizziness, dry skin, weight gain, rapid heart beat, fainting, seizures, trouble swallowing, vision problems, tremors, lethargy, joint pain, respiratory infection, impotence, heavy menstruation, and many many others. However an even more serious side effect of Risperdal is stroke. Risperdal related strokes have killed 16 people and injured many others. Also, Risperdal has been shown to cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a syndrome that causes respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, myglobinuric renal failure, arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, pneumonia, seizures or diffuse intravascular coagulation and is sometimes fatal.
If you or a loved on has suffered from the dangerous side effects of Risperdal, including stroke, NMS, or tardive dyskinesia, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Risperdal. Johnson & Johnson has a $2.1 billion revenue from Risperdal sales. A Risperdal lawsuit can help gain compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional distress caused by taking Risperdal.
This catastrophic reaction to dopamine blocking agents, especially HALDOL, more recently RESPIRADOL, (but all the so-called major tranquilizers have been implicated) can lead to death in up to 50% of cases, especially if not immediately recognized.
The causative agents must be stopped immediately and never started again.
- Three Principal Indicators
- Extreme autonomic instability especially rapid heart rate (over 100), temperatures up to 108 (at which point the brain's proteins denature like the white of an egg and there's no return), sweating, high blood pressure (sometimes over 200 systolic), incontinence. Pulmonary emboli may occur.
- Extreme mental status changes including restlessness, delirium, stupor and coma although patient may be conscious and "locked in." Often mistaken for catatonic schizophrenia (another imaginary "disease of the mind") and treated with even more of the hair of the dog, the anti-psychotic medications and even with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)!
Laboratory testing can be helpful: the white blood count is elevated and a muscle enzyme, the CPK is usually elevated as well.
fasciculations is a ("muscle twitch") is a small, local, involuntary muscle contraction (twitching)
Electromyography may show widespread fasciculations(ref: Anderson SA, Weinschenk K: Peripheranl neuropathy as a component of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Am J Med 1987 Jan: 82 (1): 169-70) and muscle biopsy is shows diffuse increase in fibres with internal nuclei - see arrows below.
Prognosis for Tardive Dyskinesia
The long-range prognosis for tardive dyskinesia varies considerably from patient to patient. Some people bounce back to their former selves after they have stopped taking the drug which caused the tardive dyskinesia; these people may show no symptoms that they ever had tardive dyskinesia. Other people are not so fortunate.
Age as factor in the recovery process
Older people are more prone to developing tardive dyskinesia and they are less likely to recover completely from it. People age 60 and older may develop tardive dyskinesia after a short exposure to tardive dyskinesia-inducing medication; people this age may develop tardive dyskinesia after only a month of exposure, whereas younger people generally develop tardive dyskinesia after three months exposure or longer.
Some studies have found that people less 60 years old are three times more likely to spontaneously recover from tardive dyskinesia than people over 60 are. Older people are also likely to develop more severe symptoms.
Some researchers believe that older people are more subject to TD and less likely to recover spontaneously from it because their brains lack sufficient neurons (nerve cells) to provide “back-up” for the damaged areas. Younger people have more neurons available and thus their brains may be better able to function after being damaged by a tardive dyskinesia-inducing medication.
Is the severity of the symptoms a factor in recovery?
The symptoms of tardive dyskinesia can vary from mild to severe. Some mild symptoms may be barely noticeable. More severe symptoms such strong facial contortions and movements of the arms and legs are very obvious.
Do people with milder symptoms have a greater chance of recovery from tardive dyskinesia? There is no straight forward answer to this question. Some studies seem to indicate that milder symptoms may mean a greater chance of complete recovery, but experts are not in agreement on this. Many studies on tardive dyskinesia have studied a relatively small number of patients; this makes the information obtained more difficult to accurately interpret.
Experts do agree that complete recovery from tardive dyskinesia is generally slow. Symptoms may linger for two years or more. New forms of treatment seem to provide relieve for some people, but there are no definitive cures for tardive dyskinesia. The best prevention of tardive dyskinesia is still the use of extreme caution when a medication which can cause the condition is used.
The good news is that severe tardive dyskinesia is relative rare. Many people report that tardive dyskinesia does not severely impair their quality of life
Extra pyramidal syndrome VIDEO
Prozac (fluoxetine) - Muscle twitching Prozac may cause muscle twitching.
disorders are induced by neuroleptics and are a major reason for non adherence to psychiatric medication, lets discuss this ... DOCTOROFMINDMD ...
Message From the President
Most people today have difficulty understanding the destructive impact that psychiatry is having on communities around the world. For far too many people, the lesson is learned only after a psychiatrist has destroyed some part of their life.
The destruction might come in the form of the death of their child due to long-term usage of a stimulant drug, prescribed for an invented psychiatric disorder called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Welcome to Risperdal.com!
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: (NMS) is a rare and potentially fatal side effect reported with RISPERDAL..Signs and symptoms
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious, sometimes permanent side effect reported with RISPERDAL
High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with RISPERDAL
Blood problems such as low numbers of white blood cells have been reported in patients taking risperidone and similar medications.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) are usually persistent movement disorders or muscle disturbances
RISPERDAL® CONSTA® should be used cautiously in people with a seizure disorder
One risk of INVEGA® and RISPERDAL is that it may change your heart rhythm. This effect is potentially serious
INFORMATION ON RISPERDAL:
Reports on Psychiatric Drugs:
 U.S. Food and Drug Warnings on Antipsychotic Drugs
Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) has campaigned against the indiscriminate psychiatric drugging of seniors with dangerous mind-altering drugs. The U.S. FDA has finally recognized these dangers… U.S. Food and Drug Administration Warnings on “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) Drugs
Stimulants such as Ritalin and Dexedrine are in the same U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classification as cocaine, yet millions of children are… The Side Effects of Common Psychiatric Drugs
This brochure is a simple guide that documents the dangerous and deadly side effects of the drugs prescribed to millions of men, women and children diagnosed with bogus mental disorders.
Tardive Dyskinesia - Etiology
Psychiatric conditions are often treated with drugs called antipsychotic agents, which can be typical or atypical. The typical agents include DRAs that have been shown be associated with TD, including phenothiazines, butyrophenones, dibenzodiazepines, diphenylbutylpiperidines, indolones, and thioxanthenes. Reports on the incidence of TD with the use of newer atypical antipsychotic agents such as clozapine (Clozaril®), olanzapine (Zyprexa®), risperidone (Risperdal®), and quetiapine (Seroquel®) have varied greatly. Risperidone (Risperdal®) appears to bring out the symptoms of TD more frequently, as compared to the other newer atypical antipsychotic agents.
Drugs other than those used to treat psychiatric illnesses can also block the dopamine receptors, and their use has also been found to be linked to TD. These include anticholinergic drugs and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are used to treat depression. Whether other antidepressant medication such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclics cause TD is not clear. An increased risk of TD may also be associated with the use of certain antihistamines, decongestants, stimulants, and certain drugs used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, seizure disorders, anxiety, and malaria. Evidence that these drugs may be associated with TD is relatively weak. Several populations have been suggested to have an increased risk for developing TD, but further epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm these observations.
Tardive Dyskinesia - Symptoms
TD is characterized by coordinated, constant movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. Jaw movements may be from side-to-side, or they may look like chewing motions. The tongue movements may be squirming or twisting (choreoathetoid). If trunk movements are present, they are typically in the form of rapid forward motions of the lower abdomen and hips (pelvic thrusting) or twisting or flicking movements of the arms and legs. The involuntary abnormal repeated movements of TD may also include lip smacking, cheek puffing, tongue thrusting, finger flicking, and trunk twisting.
TD symptoms can range from mild to severe, based on the frequency and intensity of the movements. When severe, abnormal movements of the tongue may occur up to 66 times per minute. The numbers of these movements are often reduced when the patient moves affected body parts. Movement may be increased when the patient moves unaffected body parts. The abnormal movements usually decrease with emotional arousal, increase with relaxation, and disappear during sleep. Continue to site
Tardive Dyskinesia - Other DRA-induced Disorders
TD and its various related conditions are also known as "hyperkinetic extrapyramidal syndromes" or EPS. The term EPS should be avoided, as it does not really "name" the disorder. Related conditions, which may also be caused by use of a DRA, include drug-induced parkinsonism; immediate reactions to DRAs, such as acute dystonia and acute akathisia; more delayed syndromes, including tardive dystonia and tardive akathisia; and either acute or tardive withdrawal "emergent syndromes" in which symptoms appear when treatment with the drug is stopped; and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
National Youth in Care Network
Together we're raising the bar in child welfare.
Youth in Care Canada (also known as the National Youth in Care Network) is an organization driven by youth and alumni from care. We are committed to Making Connections and Making Change.
Report Released: Drugs In Our System This report explores the increasingly common trend of using mood-altering and behaviour modifying psychotropic medications to address the behaviours, mental health conditions and emotional healing nee... >> read more
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EDUCATION FOR A FREE NATION
The objectives of CH.A.D.D. Canada are as follows:
- To maintain a support group for families of those with Attention Deficit Disorders
- To provide a forum for the continuing education of families concerning Attention Deficit Disorders
- To be a community resource for information about Attention Deficit Disorders
- To provide educational programs to individuals within the fields of medicine and education so that they may more easily recognize children with Attention Deficit Disorders and, thus, provide appropriate treatment and develop appropriate educational programs for those children
The NRC Web site at www.help4adhd.org, with information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, educational issues, and Living with AD/HD for individuals and families affected by the disorder.
The 2009 CADDRA ADHD Conference, will take place in Montreal, October 17-18, 2009. Edition of the Canadian ADHD Guidelines are available online both in English and in French. Check CADDRA website for details about the Annual CADDRA Conference, guidelines and other informations, including membership.
possible.
Armed with the facts, people can make educated choices.
 Warning to Parents, have you been informed of these serious adverse reaction! USA Psychiatric Drug Warning! A toxic, adverse reaction to all antipsychotic medications, including the most recent atypical neuroleptics. Mortality for patients who develop NMS has been estimated at 20-30%. NMS can be fatal within hours. This video focuses on a largely correctable problem: NMS is often undiagnosed and untreated in its early stages due to a lack of adequate training in the identification of early signs and symptoms.
Haloperidol, Risperdal a commonly prescribed typical neuroleptic, is known to be toxic in ..... In addition, the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry confirmed the persistent changes that can be demonstrated long after withdrawal Read more
Neuroleptics are associated with wide variety of extrapyramidal side effects, such as akathesia, dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Parkinson-ism and tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a complex hyperkinetic syndrome consisting of choriform, athetoid or rhythmically abnormal involuntary movements. Estimates of the prevalence rate of tardive dyskinesia in patients receiving neuroleptics range from 0.5-70%
SSRI and Long Term Use - SSRI Long Term Side Effects Common After Prolonged Use
Another serious side effect: Neurotoxicity:
Symptoms of neurotoxicity...Toxic chemicals can damage the nervous system and brain. Such chemicals are neurotoxic. A person may or may not be aware of neurotoxic damage when it occurs.
Neurotoxicity is a cause of brain damage. Common symptoms can include problems with memory, concentration, reaction time, sleep, thinking, language, as well as depression, confusion, personality changes, fatigue, and numbness of the hands and feet. Many types of nervous system disorders could be caused by neurotoxicity, including numerous neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
Interpersonal and legal difficulties may result from mental health problems stemming from neurotoxicity, including job loss, family difficulties, and irrational, unusual, criminal or violent behavior.
Illnesses that have been studied that can result from neurotoxic chemical poisoning Include: Anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder, chemical sensitivity syndrome, chronic fatigue, dementia, developmental delay, environmental illness, hyperactivity, insomnia, memory dysfunction, mental retardation, multiple chemical sensitivity, myoclonus, neurologic illnesses due to toxic chemicals (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, , etc.), panic disorder, Parkinson's disease, personality disorders, psychiatric illness due to toxic chemicals (depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, etc.), psychiatric-drug induced disorders (agitation, mania, psychosis, executive dysfunction, suicide, violent behavior), sick building syndrome, sleep apnea, sleep disorder, suicide, tremor, etc.
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A MUST WATCH VIDEO'S ...FRONTLINE THE MEDICATED CHILD
Dr. John Breeding has a Ph.D. is psychology. He comments about the recent PBS Frontline Documentary, The Medicated Child. 6 million U.S. Children are taking psychiatric drugs for ADHD, Bipolar and other mental disorders. Good psychiatry, experimentation or kid drugging for profit? Do these medications promote good mental health or do they create a population of people on disability?
Drugging our Children w/ Psychiatry’s Antipsych
ADHD Diagnose and the True Nature of Children
The Truth about ADHD
Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment: a movement disorder similar to Tourette syndrome
One side effect of psychoactive medications is tardive dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder similar to Tourette syndrome. Medical researchers are attempting several methods to treat the disorder, including changing an affected patient's medication or using a different variety of drugs. The most effective treatment is prevention – or discontinuing medication even though tardive dyskinesia symptoms may persist. Click 
Tardive Dyskinesia & Parkinson's Disease
Both tardive dyskinesia and Parkinson's disease are classified as movement disorders. The causes of both conditions are related to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that carries signals from the brain to various parts of the body, regulating bodily functions. Both tardive dyskinesia and Parkinson's disease may be congenital (although this is exceedingly rare in the case of tardive dyskinesia), or the result of side-effects from a medication.
Other Dyskinesias
The term tardive dyskinesia (TD), commonly associated with the use of neuroleptic drugs used to treat mental illness as well as certain digestive disorders, simply refers to "dyskinetic" symptoms that appear after a period of time (the word "tardive" is etymologically related to the term "tardy").
However, the word dyskinesia actually refers to a wide range of movement disorders from minor tics associated with mild forms of Tourette's Syndrome to full-blown epileptic seizures.
Dyskinesia, Defined
Like most medical terminology, dyskinesia is derived from Greek: the word kinesi refers to "motion," "movement" or "action" (it shares its root with the word "kinetic"), while the prefix dys- is simply a negation. Dyskinesia refers to any medical disorder in which voluntary muscle control is diminished. This can mean loss of muscle function, as is the case of Parkinson's Disease, or it can be loss of control over voluntary muscle movement as is the case of akathisia, an extreme form of dyskinesia in which a patient is literally unable to sit still.
Major Dyskinesias
Some of the more common forms of dyskinesia are:
- Parkinson's Disease: once known as "shaking palsy," this manifests itself as muscular rigidity, weakness and tremors.
- Tourette's Syndrome: although most commonly associated with sudden outbursts of profanity, most cases are relatively mild and consist primarily of facial tics or spasms.
- Chorea: literally, "dance-like" (as in choreography). This appears as short, seemingly purposeful and irregular muscular contractions that start in one muscle group and work their way up (for example, from the toes, through the foot and up the leg).
- Akathisia: patients suffering from this condition are unable to sit still; driven by intense anxiety, they are compelled to tap their feet, move their legs up and down or even pace back and forth.
- Akinesia: this is the opposite of akathisia; the patient may appear to be paralyzed or asleep and unresponsive.
- Athetosis: this condition consists of slow, almost graceful - but purposeless movements, primarily of the limbs and extremities.
- Asterixis: sometimes called "flapping tremor," this is when a patient flaps their wrists involuntarily, similar to a bird flapping its wings.
- Dystonia: there are many different types and causes of this movement disorder; it consists of sustained muscular contractions that may affect the entire body, causing the patient to twist into abnormal and even painful postures. Other varieties of dystonia are localized and may include:
- Torticollis (neck and spine)
- Blepharospasm (eyelids)
- Oculogynic Crisis (eyeballs)
- Oromandibular Dystonia (jaw, mouth and tongue)
- Laryngeal Dystonia (throat and larynx)
- Focal Hand Dystonia (similar to writer's cramp, but neurological in nature);
Such dystonias may effect only one side of the body, or both.
- Myoclonus: this is characterized by brief, jerky spasms, primarily of the face and/or head and neck, torso, limbs and extremities. "Hiccups" are a common form of myoclonus that affects virtually everyone at some point in their lives.
Causes
The causes of various dystonias vary; in many cases, these are not diseases in and of themselves but symptoms of something else, which may be due to a pathogen (bacteria or virus), genetic defect, side effects of medication or even environmental (some kind of chemical toxin). In general however, these disorders involve the dysfunction of the dopamine receptors of the nervous system. Dopamine is the neurochemical that carries signals form brain to various muscle groups; when this mechanism fails to function properly, dystonia can be the result.
Developed Toe walking can indicate an underlying problem (e.g., cerebral palsy Bell's palsyy Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy - resources Parkinson’s disease ), but in cases in which the child is otherwise healthy it is often a habit and not a sign of any underlying disease.
Beyond the ABCs - Psychiatric Drugs
Side Effects
Antipsychotic drugs greatly enhance the effects of other drugs that depress the nervous system. The resulting poor coordination and impaired mental functioning are of particular concern in people who abuse alcohol, tranquillizers, and sleeping pills. This effect also applies to those taking pain killers, antihistamines, and cold remedies, whether prescribed by a doctor or bought over-the-counter in a drugstore. Driving a car or operating machinery can become very dangerous when these drugs are taken together. Even when taken alone, antipsychotic drugs can impair these abilities particularly in the early stage of drug treatment.
Less serious side-effects of the antipsychotic drugs may include fainting, palpitations, nasal stuffiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and, in men with prostate problems, difficulty urinating. Skin reactions can occur and a sunscreen should be used when someone who is taking these drugs is exposed to the sun.
Antipsychotic drugs can cause serious side-effects on the nervous system. A syndrome very similar to Parkinson’s disease can occur, with symptoms such as slow movements, rigidity of the muscles, tremor, and a fixed mask-like face. This syndrome, called Parkinsonian syndrome or Parkinsonism, and the muscle spasms and restlessness that can also be side-effects of the antipsychotic drugs are treated with some of the drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease. These drugs include benztropine (Cogentin®), trihexyphenidyl (Artane®), procyclidine (Kemadrin®), diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), and biperiden (Akineton®). It is important to note that only the anticholinergic drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease can be used with antipsychotic drugs. Other drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease may make the psychosis worse than before.
Another possible very serious side-effect of antipsychotic drug use is tardive dyskinesia. It appears only after months or years of treatment. Involuntary, repetitive movements of the mouth, tongue or jaw occur. The arms, legs and body can also be involved. Prevention requires frequent examination by a doctor so that the dose can be reduced or the drug discontinued if early signs appear. The anti-Parkinsonism drugs listed above typically worsen the condition. No good treatment exists and some people are permanently affected.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, but nonetheless life-threatening side-effect of antipsychotic drugs. It resembles very severe Parkinsonism with stupor, fluctuating blood pressure and very high temperature. It requires hospital treatment. Other dangerous, but rare side-effects include degeneration of the retina of the eye and decreased levels of important immune cells.
The side-effects of antipsychotic drugs clearly require that people taking them be regularly followed and assessed by their doctor. Despite their numerous side-effects, however, antipsychotic drugs, when used appropriately, greatly improve quality of life for many people with serious psychotic illness.
EMERGENCIES CAUSED BY COMMONLY USED PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS ... EMERGENCIES PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS NEUROPEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME NMS SEROTONIN TARDIVE DYSKINESIA..
Welcome to the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada! Since 1963, we have provided understanding and support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. Working with our network of provincial/territorial and local partners, we provide cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and tools you can use
Teaching Students with Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
A Resource Guide for Teachers
The Centre for ADHD/ADD Advocacy, Canada
Welcome to CADDAC WHO WE ARE
The Centre for ADHD/ADD Advocacy, Canada (CADDAC) is a national not-for-profit organization providing leadership in education and advocacy for ADHD organizations and individuals with ADHD across Canada.
Follow-up Letters From Ministry of Education CADDAC received this letter from Barry Finlay, the Director of Special Education Policy and Programs Branch on December the 27th. Please scroll down on the page to read Heidi Bernhardt's letter in respone and Mr. Finlay's follow-up letter.
ADHD Coach 4 You. A web site with information for adults with ADHD
www.addcoach4u.com
Before giving children neuroleptics, you should know of the serious side effects!! Neuroleptics WARNING! Growing evidence indicates that these drugs produce tardive psychoses that are irreversible and more severe than the patients' prior problems. In children, permanent behavioral or mental disorders frequently develop as a result of the drugs.
Shocking as it may seem, this brief review can only scratch the surface of neurological disorders associated with these drugs,
Drug-induced extrapyramidal syndromes
TD and its various related conditions are also known as "hyperkinetic extrapyramidal syndromes" or EPS. The term EPS should be avoided, as it does not really "name" the disorder. Related conditions, which may also be caused by use of a DRA, include drug-induced parkinsonism; immediate reactions to DRAs, such as acute dystonia and acute akathisia; more delayed syndromes, including tardive dystonia and tardive akathisia; and either acute or tardive withdrawal "emergent syndromes" in which symptoms appear when treatment with the drug is stopped; and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Citizens Commission on Human Rights. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is a non-profit, public benefit organization dedicated to investigating and exposing psychiatric violations of human rights. Citizens Commission on Human Rights: Psychiatric Drugs Reactions ...
Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Canada National Office
27 Carlton Street
Suite 304
Toronto, Ontario
M5B 1L2
Canada
Phone: 416-971-8555
Abuse hotline: 866-34-ABUSE
Email: info@cchrcanada.org
CCHR Home | News & Media | FAQ | What is CCHR? | Resources | Contact Us | Take Action | Drug Warnings
Report Psychiatric Abuse. It's a Crime. Vulnerable people who have sought help from psychiatrists and psychologists have been falsely diagnosed and forced to undergo unwanted and often harmful psychiatric methods. Thousands upon thousands have died. CCHR is investigating these and other psychiatric abuses. We can assist you with your evidence and reports of criminal psychiatric practice.
 General Abuse Report Form
Parents and Grandparents Abuse Report Form
Whistleblowers Abuse Report Form
To view and download CCHR's click here.
SIDE EFFECTS VIDEO
PARENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY NO!
New Video & Blog "No More ADHD"
More than 4 million children in the U.S. alone have been labeled with ADHD and put on drugs documented by the FDA to cause tics, stunted growth, heart attack, stroke and sudden death. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Ritalin, Concerta and other ADHD drugs in the same class of highly addictive drugs as cocaine, morphine and opium.
Psychiatric drugging of kids is big business. ADHD drugs sales alone generate $3.1 billion a year. Parents need to be informed that not only is the diagnoses of ADHD completely subjective (a child fidgets, stares out the window, forgets his homework and he can be diagnosed ADHD) but that there are non-drug solutions for solving children's problems of behavior, attention and learning. Parents have a right to this information.
Dr. Mary Ann Block, Medical Director & Founder of the Block Center, and author of No More ADHD is our featured blog/video interview this week: click here.
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Ads in Psychiatry
Ritalin Lawsuit
2002, The law firm of Waters & Kraus takes this opportunity to announce the filing of a class action lawsuit entitled Hernandez, Plaintiff, Individually and on Behalf of all Others Similarly Situated v. Ciba Geigy Corporation, U.S.A., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Peter Breggin is serving as a medical consultant in the case.
TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS FULL STORY READ THE WHOLE STORY!
The FDA explains in a booklet about the mechanics of MedWatch and other similar voluntary reporting schemes. They confessed that such schemes ordinarily identify no more than one percent of actual occurrences. So at any rate, there we had that occurrence about a year ago with Health Canada taking Adderall off the market and our FDA not taking Adderall off the market. Subsequently, we learned our FDA lobbied Health Canada behind-the-scenes not to take it off the market.
The FDA applied pressure to foreign nations to protect dangerous drugs in our own market. Then Health Canada put Adderall back on the market. It wasn't because they had any good evidence of its safety or effectiveness. Adderall is a mixture of the two salts of amphetamine, so it's a pure amphetamine. The fascinating thing about Adderall is that it was a weight reduction drug for adults called Obetrol. It's was so extremely addictive that Obetrol was taken off the market for that reason. Now we have the FDA bringing this extraordinarily addictive drug to market for little children.
So it was too dangerous for adults but not unsafe for children.
So a school district that gets more of its children diagnosed with ADHD, it gets rewarded with more funds? There are even laws on the books that pay parents a stipend for every child they have who is diagnosed and thus considered disabled. So I think they get Social disability. I think the stipend, at least a few years ago, was $400 a month. Ninety-one percent. I would say that a third to a half of all the patients seen by a neurologist had no organic disease.
If you look at the big picture of what's happening here, what does this say about scientific integrity, if these well-educated people in this so-called scientific organization can invent such a widespread hoax? Does this have you questioning some of scientific truth today, or what's your view on it?
Psychiatry, pediatrics, neurologists, family practitioners, psychologists, school teachers across the country have become pawns and have not seen the evil of their ways by becoming pushers for the drugging establishment. This is the standard of practice across the board. The entire profession has been bought out. On average, every physician in the country gets $13,000 or more per year from the drug companies. They get free dinners, golf, free trips, but that money isn't spread around equally. It is spread strategically so that your top policy makers in medicine -- your top psychiatrists and your heads of departments -- get more money than anyone else. Some get about $500,000 a year, and it has been so successful that no one within academic medicine can speak out! If they were to stand up and say things that I they say, they would be out the next day. NYU has become a hive for disease-inventing psychiatry. The sad news is that the department received more funds to train more poisoners of normal children.
Presented by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). A tale of deception Psychotropic drugs.
http://www.encognitive.com Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD is an adult and child neurolo...
The Drugging of Our Children by Gary Null - DVD Excessive talking, fidgeting, or ..
Symptoms and Medical Malpractice
The issues of medical malpractice do not usually arise immediately with respect to symptoms. In order for a medical malpractice cases to be brought, the plaintiff (patient) must have suffered some damages as a result of the actions of the defendant. In most cases, merely having a new symptom is not grounds for medical malpractice. As always, consult an attorney or professional legal adviser for advice about medical malpractice.
The most likely way for symptoms to be involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit are due to the underlying medical condition causing the symptom. However, failure to diagnose an underlying condition may lead to medical malpractice. The most likely way for symptoms to be involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit are due to the underlying medical condition causing the symptom. However, failure to diagnose an underlying condition may lead to medical malpractice, if the undiagnosed disease causes damage, disability, financial loss, or even death (see also wrongful death lawsuits). Some common symptoms that may ultimately lead to medical malpractice include chest pain (may be a heart attack), abdominal pain (may be appendicitis), coughing (may be lung cancer or even mesothelioma), breast lump (could be breast cancer), rectal bleeding (could be colorectal cancer), and so on with numerous other possibilities. Ongoing and chronic symptoms that are damaging, disabling, or debilitating may be possible causes of medical malpractice actions, if they arise somehow caused or contributed to by medical care (may have to be negligent care to prove malpractice). For example, post-surgical pain that is chronic pain may be a debilitating or disabling symptom and may have been caused by medical malpractice. Symptoms may also cause damage by preventing you from earning an income, such as chronic pain, chronic back pain, extreme fatigue, etc. Other examples of severe symptoms that may justify damages may include erectile symptoms (e.g. impotence), fertility problems, or potentially many other symptoms.
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Take notice that also non SSRI anti-depressants (and even Ritalin) may interact (primary or secondary) with the serotonergic (or serotoninergic) system in the brain.
| Features research, articles, studies, personal experiences, views of doctors & 1001+ links to further sources of information |
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 Tardive Dyskinesia/Dystonia, Parkinsonism & Akathisia
SSRI & SSNRI antidepressants induced side-effects (Iatrogenic Extrapyramidal Symptoms) are
recognized to be similar to Neuroleptic (anti-psychotic) induced side-effects. These side-effects are known as Tardive Dyskinesia/Dystonia (severe body movement disorder, mostly permanent), Parkinsonism (a sign of future Parkinson's disease) and Akathisia (a Neurological driven severe mania/agitation that can lead to suicidality, suicide attempts, self-harm & suicide). It is well documented in the medical literature that these neuroleptic induced side-effects refer to damage at dopaminergic neurons in the "motor system" of the"Basal Ganglia", a structure deep in the "Limbic System" of the brain. 1, 2, 3, 4, http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic338.htm (scroll down)
Serotonin Syndrome
The Serotonin Syndrome is a potentially lethal condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity. It is a very dangerous and a potentially fatal side effect of the serotonergic enhancing drugs such as SSRI & SSNRI antidepressants and is diagnosed by the presence of at least 3 of 10 symptoms: mental status changes (confusion, hypomania), agitation, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, tremor, diarrhea, incoordination, and fever. This "hyperserotonergic" toxic condition requires heightened clinical awareness in order to prevent, recognize, and treat the condition promptly. Promptness is vital because, as we just mentioned, the serotonin syndrome can be fatal and death from this side effect can come very rapidly. The Serotonin syndrome is brought on by excessive levels of serotonin and is difficult to distinguish from the "Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome" because the symptoms are so similar. The "Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome" is a serious condition brought on by the use of neuroleptic drugs (anti-psychotics).
Source: Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? by Dr Ann Blake Tracy http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/syndrome.htm
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
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SSRI's & SSNRI's Safety Review
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ADHD DRUGS
ADHD should only be diagnosed by a professional
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent mental disorders found in children. Children with ADHD have difficulty functioning normally in various environments, including home, school, and even personal relationships with others their own age. Common symptoms of ADHD are impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention or lack of the ability to focus.
ADHD should only be diagnosed by a professional with specific training such as a child psychiatrist, psychologists, behavioral neurologists and developmental/behavioral pediatricians. A diagnosis should only be made after all other possible explanations for the child’s behavior have been ruled out, school and medical records are reviewed, and interviews are conducted with teachers and the child’s parents.
Stimulant drugs, Adderall, Ritalin, and Concentra for example, are often prescribed to treat ADHD. Such drugs have a short-term effectiveness of reducing symptoms between 60 to 80 percent in high school children. The previously mentioned medications improve the child’s ability to focus and reduce hyperactivity in order to facilitate learning and working.
In June of 2005 the FDA announced it would investigate all ADHD drugs including Ritalin, Concerta, Strattera and Adderall. If your child is taking these drugs you should be aware of serious side effects associated with them. These drugs do have real benefits for children with ADHD, but there are serious risks involved such as strokes, heart attacks, and sudden death.
Adderall-
Generic name: Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine
Date Approved: November 8, 2002
Manufacturer: Shire Pharmaceuticals
Status: February 9, 2006 Black box warning
Approved Uses: ADHD, ADD
Serious Side Effects:
Sudden death
Heart-related death
Strokes
Psychosis
Adderall was approved by the FDA on November 8, 2002 for the treatment of ADHD. It combines four drugs of the amphetamine family, and was originally marketed under the name of Obetrol for weight loss and diet control.
Common side effects of Adderall are insomnia, headache, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, weight loss, and restlessness. More serious side effects are strokes, psychosis and even death. When taken by people that don’t have ADHD, it has a high potential for substance abuse and addiction.
Ritalin-
Generic name: Methylphenidate
Date Approved: 1960s
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Status: February 9, 2006 Black box warning
Approved Uses: ADHD, ADD
Serious Side Effects:
Sudden death
Heart attack
Stroke
Tachycardia
Chest pain
Hypertension
Ritalin, a product of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the FDA in the 1960’s. Ritalin’s generic form Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD.
Ritalin affects children in a similar manner to the way Cocaine affects adults. It sharpens short-term attention, and then results in a low when it wears off. Abnormalities in brain development have been attributed to long term use, similar to abnormalities caused by cocaine. Ritalin is available in short term doses that are affective for two to four hours, while other tablets may be affective as long as eight hours.
Side affects of Ritalin include nervousness, dizziness, abdominal pain, headaches, weight loss, and cardiac arrhythmia. Serious side effects are heart attack, stroke, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, and death.
Concerta-
Generic name: Methylphenidate
Date Approved: August 1, 2000
Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson
Status: June 29, 2005 label update; February 9, 2006 Black box warning
Approved Uses: ADHD
Serious Side Effects:
Suicidal thoughts
Aggression
Psychotic behavior
Hypertension
Hallucinations
Chest pain
Arrhythmia
Tachycardia
Concentra was approved for the treatment of ADHD by the FDA on August 1, 2000. In 2004 Concentra was prescribed to 7.8 million people.
Noted side effects of Concentra include upper respiratory tract infections, vomiting, sleeplessness, sore throat, diziness, headache, stomach ache, loss of appetitie, and increased cough. Reduced stature, tics, psychosis, moodiness, sucicidal thought, arrhtyhmia, tachyardia, and aggression are other noted side effects.
Concentra tablets that last up to 12 hours are available, making it the longest acting ADHD Drug. The medical community is not yet certain what effects methylphendiate, found in Ritalin and Concentra, has after consistent prolonged hours in the bloodstream.
ADHD Drugs and Fatalities-
The FDA has received reports establishing an association between ADHD medications and sudden death, strokes, hypertension, and heart attacks in both adults and children. In February of 2006, 81 deaths resulting from the use of ADHD drugs were reported to the FDA. Between 1999 and 2003, 45 non-fatal cardiovascualr events related to ADHD drugs were reported. It was recommended that black-box warnings be attached to all packaging of stimulant drugs like Adderal, Ritalin, and Concentra.
Parents need to be well infromed of the harsh side effects of ADHD medications Adderall, Ritalin, and Concentra before allowing their child to be prescribed these drugs. Studies have demonstrated devistating reactions in young children, and it is not known if previously mentioned medications have adverse effects on the development of a young child’s brain. Furthermore, all ADHD medications are closely related to illegal drugs including dextroamphetamine (Dexedriene or dexies); methamphetamines (crystal meth); and cocaine. It is in a parent’s best intrests to seek drug-free alternative treatment before allowing a doctor to push such drugs on their child.
Adderall, Ritalin, or Concentra could be the cause of any cardiovascular problems you or your child may have experienced including heart attack, stroke, palpitations, arrhythmia, or hypertension. Contact Keller & Keller to have your rights protected and receive a free consultation.
ALEVE (NAPROXEN)
Generic name: Naproxen
Date Approved: 1994 in non-prescription form
Manufacturer: Bayer
Status: On the market
Approved Uses: Treating mild to moderate pain, anti-inflammatory
Serious Side Effects:
Increased risk of heart attack
Increased risk of stroke
Bleeding stomach ulcers
Aleve was the first non-prescription product to be added to the FDA’s list of pain relievers that increase the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. Announcements made by federal health officials to this effect have been labeled cautionary
Aleve, like Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. All of these drugs are part of a new group of NSAIDs referred to as COX-2 inhibitors that greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. These drugs are used to relieve pain associated with arthritis and chronic joint conditions. While Aleve became available in 1994, the prescription strength version Naprosyn has been available since 1976.
On December 20, 2004, the FDA working with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) decided to end clinical studies using NSAIDs such as Aleve in patients at risk for Alzheimer’s. Early stages of the study demonstrated certain evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular events, strokes and heart attacks. At the same time, the FDA strongly recommends patients currently taking Aleve to carefully follow dosage instructions indicated on the label. Patients should not take more than the 220 milligrams twice daily for a period longer than 10 days.
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Apo-Methylphenidate, Apo-Methylphenidate SR, Biphentin, Concerta, PMS-Methylphenidate, Riphenidate, Ritalin, Ritalin SR Methylphenidate Information
Dyskinesias are a group of disorders characterized by involuntary movements ofmuscles
FDA drug safety specialists have acknowledged that stimulants
trigger hallucinations in children See: Review of Postmarketing Safety Data. MEMORANDUM RE: Psychiatric Adverse Events Associated with Drug Treatment of ADHD, March 3, 2006.
Worse yet, children are being subjected to harmful psychotropic drug cocktails that have NEVER been TESTED for safety or efficacy in either adults or children. Children who are labeled as ADHD are being forced to swallow toxic mind-altering drugs, such as Adderall, whose label now carry Black Box warnings. FDA drug safety specialists have acknowledged that stimulants trigger hallucinations in children See: Review of Postmarketing Safety Data. MEMORANDUM RE: Psychiatric Adverse Events Associated with Drug Treatment of ADHD, March 3, 2006.
Worse yet, children are being subjected to harmful psychotropic drug cocktails that have NEVER been TESTED for safety or efficacy in either adults or children.....Pediatrician Dr. Karen Effrem has presented testimony [Link] to Congress on this bill. She found that the medical literature demonstrates that these medications are overused, ineffective, and have dangerous, if not fatal, side effects. Most importantly, she reported that the "disorders" these drugs are supposed to treat are admitted by experts to have no scientific basis -- that there are many other reasons for behavior and learning disorders that do not require medication. Children have died [Link] from the dangers of these drugs forced on them by the schools.
Since that testimony was presented, study after study has appeared continuing to show the dangers and lack of effectiveness of these medications. For instance, all in 2006:
The Oregon Drug Effectiveness Review Project [Link] Final Report Update 1.pdf> , analyzed 2287 pieces of research -- virtually every investigation ever done on ADHD drugs up to 2006 - to reach its conclusions: it found no evidence to support the claims about these drugs' safety, effectiveness, or the legitimacy of the ADHD diagnosis.
The FDA strengthened its warnings [Link] on these drugs, finally acknowledging that these drugs cause dependency and addiction, hallucinations, psychosis, and heart problems, including sudden death.
A study [Link] of ADHD drugs in preschoolers released by the National Institutes of Mental Health revealed that, "About 40 percent of children developed side effects and roughly 11 percent dropped out because of problems including irritability, weight loss, insomnia and slowed growth."
The Truth about Ritalin
Called “kiddie cocaine” when sold on the streets, prescription stimulants destroy young lives daily.
Street names for Ritalin: • Diet Coke • Rids • Kiddy cocaine • Skittles • R-Ball • Smarties • Vitamin R • Poor man's cocaine
Ritalin is the common name for methylphenidate, classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II narcotic — the same classification as cocaine, morphine and amphetamines. It is abused by teens for its stimulant effects.
While the law forbids unrestricted distribution of these powerful stimulants, the sad fact remains that these substances are freely available almost anywhere. “Kiddie cocaine,” as it has been called, is handed out like candy. In some schools as many as 20 percent of the students take Ritalin regularly.
Short-term Effects:
Its severest effects include nervousness, insomnia, pulse changes and heart problems. In June 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that Ritalin and its sister drugs may cause visual hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, psychotic behavior, as well as aggression or violent behavior. Hazards multiply as users up their quantity, grind and snort it, liquefy or inject it, and use it along with ecstasy and other drugs. Abuse in larger doses puts stress on the heart, which can be fatal, and injection causes serious damage to the lungs and eyes.
Long Term Effects:
The manufacturer says methylphenidate is a drug of dependency. Children on stimulant medications have twice the future rate of drug abuse. One-third of all child anorexia (eating disorders) are linked to use of this drug, as are symptoms of obsessive compulsive behavior — within the first year of use.
A Texas researcher has also found that after only three months of Ritalin use, one out of twelve children treated with it had genetic abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Warnings/Precautions
Has demonstrated value as part of a comprehensive treatment program for ADHD. Safety and efficacy in children <6 years of age not established. Use with caution in patients with bipolar disorder, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, insomnia, porphyria, or hypertension. Use caution in patients with history of ethanol or drug abuse. May exacerbate symptoms of behavior and thought disorder in psychotic patients. Do not use to treat severe depression or fatigue states. Potential for drug dependency exists - avoid abrupt discontinuation in patients who have received for prolonged periods. Visual disturbances have been reported (rare). Stimulant use has been associated with growth suppression. Growth should be monitored during treatment. Stimulants may unmask tics in individuals with coexisting Tourette's syndrome. Concerta® should not be used in patients with esophageal motility disorders or pre-existing severe gastrointestinal narrowing (small bowel disease, short gut syndrome, history of peritonitis, cystic fibrosis, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Meckel's diverticulum).
Adverse Reactions:
Frequency not defined.
Cardiovascular: Angina, cardiac arrhythmia, cerebral arteritis, cerebral occlusion, hyper-/hypotension, palpitation, pulse increase/decrease, tachycardia
Central nervous system: Depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, insomnia, nervousness, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), Tourette's syndrome, toxic psychosis
Dermatologic: Erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, hair loss, rash, urticaria
Endocrine & metabolic: Growth retardation
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
Hematologic: Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura
Hepatic: Liver function tests abnormal, hepatic coma, transaminases increased
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, dyskinesia
Ocular: Blurred vision
Renal: Necrotizing vasculitis
Respiratory: Cough increased, pharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection
Miscellaneous: Accidental injury, hypersensitivity reactions
Drug Interactions:
Substrate of CYP2D6 (major); Inhibits CYP2D6 (weak)
Antihypertensive agents: Effectiveness of antihypertensive agent may be decreased; use with caution
Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine may decrease the serum concentration of methylphenidate.
Clonidine: Severe toxic reactions have been reported in combined use with methylphenidate.
CYP2D6 inhibitors: May increase the levels/effects of methylphenidate. Example inhibitors include chlorpromazine, delavirdine, fluoxetine, miconazole, paroxetine, pergolide, quinidine, quinine, ritonavir, and ropinirole.
Linezolid: Due to MAO inhibition (see note on MAO inhibitors), concurrent use with methylphenidate should generally be avoided.
MAO inhibitors: Severe hypertensive episodes have occurred with amphetamine when used in patients receiving nonselective MAO inhibitors; methylphenidate may be less likely to interact, or reactions may be less severe; use with caution only when warranted; wait 14 days following discontinuation of MAO inhibitor.
Phenobarbital: Serum levels may be increased by methylphenidate (in some patients); monitor
Phenytoin: Serum levels may be increased by methylphenidate (in some patients); monitor
Selegiline: When selegiline is used at low dosages (<10 mg/day), an interaction with methylphenidate is less likely than with nonselective MAO inhibitors (see MAO inhibitor information), but theoretically possible; monitor
Sibutramine: Potential for reactions noted with amphetamines (severe hypertension and tachycardia) appears to be low; use with caution
Tricyclic antidepressants: Methylphenidate may increase serum concentrations of some tricyclic agents; clinical reports of toxicity are limited; dosage reduction of tricyclic antidepressants may be required; monitor
Venlafaxine: NMS has been reported in a patient receiving methylphenidate and venlafaxine.
Warfarin: Methylphenidate may decrease metabolism of coumarin anticoagulants; effect has not been confirmed in all studies; monitor INR
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Ritalin to carry new warnings about dangers of heart problems and psychotic behavior
Several drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder must include new warning information about the risk of heart problems and psychotic behavior, U.S. health officials said on Monday.
The drugs, which include GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Dexedrine and Novartis AG's Ritalin, must include a warning about the possible risk of sudden death and serious heart problems, Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Susan Bro told Reuters.
The drugs, stimulants that can raise blood pressure, must also include warnings about the risk of behavioral problems such as aggression and mania, she said.
Bro could not confirm whether other ADHD drugs - Johnson & Johnson's Concerta and Eli Lilly and Co.'s Strattera - also were ordered to carry the warnings.
Strattera already includes a caution about suicidal thoughts, while Shire Plc's Adderall already carries a warning that misuse can cause heart problems.
The FDA's decision comes months after two separate panels of outside experts offered conflicting opinions on whether the risks warranted the strongest warnings possible -- a so-called black box.
FDA's Bro could not confirm whether the heart warning was boxed. But a letter from Glaxo made public earlier on Monday advising doctors about the new warnings said the heart caution was a boxed warning.
Other non-boxed warnings about psychotic behavior, stunted growth, seizures and vision problems also were included, Glaxo's letter said.
Holly Russell, spokeswoman for the British drugmaker, said Glaxo agreed with the FDA's request to add the warning language and complied with the agency's recommended wording. Other drugmakers did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
In March, FDA advisers said new information about the risks should be added to the labels for attention deficit drugs. The outside experts stopped short of supporting a boxed warning, saying they did not want to scare off patients or their parents.
A different FDA panel in February recommended black box heart-related warnings but said it was unclear if the drugs caused heart-related complications.
Some doctors have expressed concern that new warnings could dampen use of the medicines, which the FDA has estimated see about one million prescriptions for adults and two million for children each month.
Critics say many of the prescriptions are unnecessary and that the drugs are over used. FDA's Bro said the agency began contacting Glaxo and Novartis about the new warning requirements in May.
That same month, Canadian health authorities publicly warned people with high blood pressure, heart disease and other medical problems to avoid taking medications for ADHD.
U.S. officials have asked a pharmaceutical company to add a label warning of a risk for heart problems for patients taking the prescription drug Dexedrine, a stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The warning describes some instances of sudden death in children and teens with structural cardiac abnormalities or other heart problems. It also mentions various potential psychological side effects, including hallucinations or delusional thinking.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration could not be reached for comment, and it was unclear what other ADHD drugs might be affected by this new warning.
Back in May, the FDA had asked makers of similar stimulant ADHD drugs to add the warnings.
"This had already been done with other stimulants," said Dr. Melvin Oatis, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine's Child Study Center. "Dexedrine is in an older class of stimulants, and not much new had been done with that."
A letter sent from Dexedrine's maker, GlaxoSmithKline, to health-care providers was posted Tuesday on the FDA's Web site. The letter detailed the planned changes to prescription recommendations.
In March, an FDA pediatric advisory committee had recommended that ADHD drugs not carry the more severe "black-box" warnings and instead use simpler language and include more information on the labels about the heart risks posed by the drugs. But the month before, a different FDA advisory committee had reached the opposite conclusion, and called for a black-box warning on ADHD drugs because of possible cardiac risks.
The FDA has apparently settled for the less-severe advisory.
"This is not a black-box warning," Oatis said. "There's some association [between Dexedrine and heart problems]. They're not making this a causality."
An estimated 2.5 million American children under the age of 19 take ADHD drugs, as do 1.5 million adults.
This represents a huge surge in use, experts said.
In addition to "serious" cardiovascular side effects, the warnings issued since last spring cite possible suppression of children's growth, as well as heightened risks for psychosis, bipolar illness and aggression.
Oatis added that the new warning "should remind clinicians to review the side-effect profiles of medications. It reminds you to take more of a history of family issues regarding stimulant use and medical cardiac risk."
Another Side Effect from some medications: Tardive dyskinesia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tardive dyskinesia is a variety of dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements) manifesting as a side effect of long-term or high-dose use of dopamine antagonists, usually antipsychotics. Other dopamine antagonists that can cause tardive dyskinesia are drugs for gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. metoclopramide) and neurological disorders. While newer atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and risperidone appear to have less dystonic effects, only clozapine has been shown to have a lower risk of tardive dyskinesia than older antipsychotics.[1]
The term tardive dyskinesia was introduced in 1964. Dyskinesia refers to an involuntary movement. The effect of these drugs can be tardive, meaning the dyskinesia sometimes continues or appears even after the drugs are no longer taken.
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Olanzipine, Risperidone, Quetiapine, lawsuits
Zyprexa like Risperdal and Seroquel, has been associated with serious side effects in patients, especially those who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
Knowledge of the potential dangers of Zyprexa were discovered as a result of a series of findings beginning in 2001 when the FDA was alerted to 19 case reports of diabetes associated with the drug.
One of these cases resulted in a patient's death due to necrotizing pancreatitis, a very serious condition in which cells in the pancreas die.
An emergency report issued by the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry in April of 2002 concerning the side effects of Zyprexa noted that there had been two deaths of patients who had diabetes prior to taking the anti-psychotic medication.
It also reported that there had been seven other patients who lost consciousness or slipped into comas after taking the drug.
In April of 2003, the Wall Street Journal ran a front page article on Zyprexa and the other Atypical Antipsychotics with respect to their connection to cases of Type 2 diabetes ( sometimes called "adult onset diabetes").
The authors of the Wall Street Journal article estimated that somewhere around 11 million people have taken Zyprexa. An eight-year study found that nearly 300 patients developed diabetes, 75 became seriously ill, and 23 died.
In addition to the Wall Street Journal article, five lawsuits were filed against Eli Lilly and Co. accusing the company of failing to warn Zyprexa patients of the risk that Zyprexa caused the patients' diabetes.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages of up to $35 million. In order to confront the charges, Lilly sponsored two patient trials and opened its files of Zyprexa patients to an outside researcher to study the issue.
The lawsuits claim that Lilly knew that the product was dangerous and unsafe and that it never took the necessary steps to provide this critical information to medical professionals or patients.
Finally, in May of 2003 forty reports of hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar), diabetes mellitus, or exacerbation of diabetes were received in the UK including one which proved to be fatal.
In March of 2004, Eli Lilly ( the company that markets Zyprexa in the United States) sent a so call "Dear Doctor Letter" to thousands of physicians who were likely to use Zyprexa.
The letter indicated that Lilly was adding a warning statement to the Zyprexa label regarding the increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes in people taking Zyprexa and similar medicines. [ Click Here to read the actual warning letter ]
Risperdal (Risperidone) Lawsuit
Risperdal, which is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is another member of the family of drugs knows as Atypical Antipsychotics.
Risperdal has been linked to diabetes and, more specifically, Type 2 Diabetes. (Type 2 Diabetes is sometimes called adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke)
Other serious side effects, however, include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), Tardive Dyskinesia, stroke or stroke-like events, and even death. (NMS is a potentially fatal syndrome involving muscle rigidity, and irregular blood pressure and pulse).
Tardive Dyskinesia is a central nervous system disorder, which results in involuntary movement of the limbs and twitching of the face and tongue.)
Although it is primarily used for treating schizophrenia, Risperdal is also used to control other behavioral disorders in elderly patients ( such as nursing home patients) who have delusions, aggression, and anxiety as is often seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease and/or dementia.
Risperdal has also been under scrutiny for causing severe side effects and adverse reactions mentioned above.
Although Risperdal was approved by the FDA in 1994, it took some time before the dangerous side effects were completely identified though a series of studies.
On April 11th of 2003 Johnson & Johnson sent "Dear Doctor" letters to thousands of physicians in the United States advising them of the possible risk of stroke among elderly patients taking Risperdal.
The letter indicated that Johnson and Johnson had modified the Risperdal label so that practitioners were aware that:
… " there was a significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events in patients treated with risperidone compared to patients treated with placebo. RISPERDAL has not been shown to be safe or effective in the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis " [ Click Here to read the actual Risperdal "Dear Practitioner letter" ].
This came after Johnson & Johnson had received 37 reports of stroke or related events like blood clots or hemorrhages, including 16 deaths.
As a result of these findings, Johnson & Johnson updated the warning label on Risperdal to include more specific information about strokes in the elderly. At this time it became apparent that Risperdal should not be used to treat dementia because there is no evidence that it is safe or effective in that capacity.
Risperdal has also been known to cause irregular headaches, muscle weakness and spasms, high fever, constipation, weight gain, and headaches.
People on Risperdal who have any or all of these side effects should contact their doctor and discuss these problems with their doctor because these conditions may be warning signs of serious illness.
Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate ) Lawsuit
Seroquel, manufactured by AstraZeneca, is an oral medication used to manage the symptoms associated with schizophrenia such as delusions, thought disorder, hallucinations, social withdrawal, lack of energy, apathy, and reduced ability to express emotion.
The drug, which was approved by the FDA for marketing in 1997, affects a broad range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin receptors. It is also sometimes used to treat the mania associated with bipolar disorder.
News of Seroquel's side effects and emerged as a result of observational data released at a medical conference in Philadelphia which showed that patients on Seroquel had 3.34 times as many cases of diabetes as those on older antipsychotics such as haldoperidol.
Towards the end of August, 2003, news of side effects associated with Seroquel became widely publicized and caused the value of AstraZeneca's stock to decrease by almost one percent.
Soon after, the law firms of Parker & Waichman and Aylstock, Witkens & Sasser announced that a class action lawsuit had been commenced in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on behalf of all those who had used Seroquel.
This lawsuit contends that AstraZeneca was aware that Seroquel was associated with a high occurrence of diabetes, but they did not take steps to adequately warn doctors or patients in the United States of this potential risk.
The pending lawsuit seeks statutory, exemplary and punitive financial damages from AstraZeneca for their alleged disregard of the well being and health of the plaintiffs and class members (the people who took Seroquel and subsequently developed diabetes).
In addition, the lawsuit also alleges that AstraZeneca aggressively marketed and promoted Seroquel for "off label" use that was beyond its FDA approved indications at the time in question.
AstraZeneca is accused of unfairly offering incentives to doctors and other medical professionals in an effort to increase the number of Seroquel prescriptions that were written.
The Seroquel class action lawsuit seeks to establish a medical monitoring fund to pay for anyone who has taken Seroquel so that they can be tested for diabetes and other blood sugar disorders.
On January 30th, 2004, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, the company that markets Seroquel in the United States sent a "Dear Doctor" letter to thousands of doctors throughout the USA. The letter indicated that:
"...Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including Seroquel." [ Click Here to read the actual Seroquel "Dear Doctor" letter]
Leading ADHD Researcher Blows Whistle on Concerta & CHADD
Confessions by insiders and an examination of the evidence leave little doubt that the that the promoters of these drugs claims are unsubstantiated, that integrity of medicine and the biomedical literature have been systematically corrupted thanks to collaborative efforts of the pharmaceutical industry and their paid prominent academic consultants.
Dr. William Pelham, a leading ADHD researcher for 30 years, is the latest insider to come forward: "In recent years, I have come to believe that the individuals who advocate most strongly in favor of medication - both those from the professional community, including the National Institutes of Mental Health, and those from advocacy groups, including CHADD - have major and undisclosed conflicts of interest with the pharmaceutical companies that deal with ADHD products."
Dr. Pelham was paid by McNeil to conduct one of three studies used to get FDA approval for Concerta, a stimulant prescribed for ADHD. But when the evidence was not favorable, he recounted in an interview with AlterNet, McNeil-Alza engaged in dubious methods to ensure that the published reports would be favorable for Concerta. He said "The company currently uses the three studies to claim that 96 percent of children taking Concerta experience no problems in appetite, growth, or sleep. But Pelham says the studies were flawed... two of the three studies, including Pelham's, required that the subjects had to already be taking MPH and responding well to it in order to enter the study. In other words, by stacking the studies with patients already successfully taking stimulants, McNeil ensured the subjects would be unlikely to register side effects."
Dr. Pelham notes: "It's really misleading and I'm surprised the FDA is letting them use the studies to advertise no side effects. They had no side effects because they took only people with only a positive history of medication. This is really pushing meds without telling the full picture."
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Dr Baughman Modem
Atypical Anti-Psychotic Drug The neuroleptic works by blocking the transmission of the chemical dopamine in the brain Click Here for more info. atypicals carry warnings that the drugs may increase the risk of high blood sugar and diabetes. Zyprexa, like Risperdal and Seroquel, has been associated with serious
side effects in patients, especially those who have already been
diagnosed with diabetes.
Knowledge of the potential dangers of Zyprexa were discovered as a r
esult of a series of findings beginning in 2001 when the FDA was alerted
to 19 case reports of diabetes associated with the drug.
One of these cases resulted in a patient's death due to necrotizing
pancreatitis, a very serious condition in which cells in the pancreas
die.
An emergency report issued by the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry
in April of 2002 concerning the side effects of Zyprexa noted that there
had been two deaths of patients who had diabetes prior to taking the
anti-psychotic medication.
It also reported that there had been seven other patients who lost
consciousness or slipped into comas after taking the drug.
In April of 2003, the Wall Street Journal ran a front page article on
Zyprexa and the other Atypical Antipsychotics with respect to their
connection to cases of Type 2 Diabetes ( sometimes called "adult
onset diabetes").
The authors of the Wall Street Journal article estimated that somewhere
around 11 million people have taken Zyprexa. An eight-year study found
that nearly 300 patients developed diabetes, 75 became seriously ill, and
23 died.
In addition to the Wall Street Journal article, five lawsuits were filed
against Eli Lilly and Co. accusing the company of failing to warn Zyprexa
patients of the risk that Zyprexa caused the patients' diabetes.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages of up to $35 million. In order to
confront the charges, Lilly sponsored two patient trials and opened its files
of Zyprexa patients to an outside researcher to study the issue.
The lawsuits claim that Lilly knew that the product was dangerous and
unsafe and that it never took the necessary steps to provide this critical
information to medical professionals or patients.
Finally, in May of 2003 forty reports of hyperglycemia (elevated blood
sugar), diabetes mellitus, or exacerbation of diabetes were received
in the UK including one which proved to be fatal.
In March of 2004, Eli Lilly ( the company that markets Zyprexa in the
United States) sent a so call "Dear Doctor Letter" to thousands of
physicians who were likely to use Zyprexa.
The letter indicated that Lilly was adding a warning statement to the
Zyprexa label regarding the increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes
in people taking Zyprexa and similar medicines. [ Click Here to read the
actual warning letter ] Tardive Dyskinrsia
Risperdal (Risperidone) Click Here for info on TD Tardive Dyskinesia Legal Settlement
Risperdal, which is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division
of Johnson & Johnson, is another member of the family of drugs knows
as Atypical Antipsychotics.
Risperdal has been linked to diabetes and, more specifically, Type 2
diabetes. (Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called adult-onset diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease
and stroke)
Other serious side effects, however, include Neuroleptic Malignant
Syndrome (NMS), Tardive Dyskinesia, stroke or stroke-like events,
and even death. (NMS is a potentially fatal syndrome involving
muscle rigidity, and irregular blood pressure and pulse).
Tardive Dyskinesia is a central nervous system disorder, which results in
involuntary movement of the limbs and twitching of the face and tongue.)
Although it is primarily used for treating schizophrenia, Risperdal is also
used to control other behavioral disorders in elderly patients ( such as
nursing home patients) who have delusions, aggression, and anxiety
as is often seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease and/or dementia.
Risperdal has also been under scrutiny for causing severe side effects and
adverse reactions mentioned above.
Although Risperdal was approved by the FDA in 1994, it took some time
before the dangerous side effects were completely identified though a
series of studies.
On April 11th of 2003 Johnson & Johnson sent "Dear Doctor" letters to
thousands of physicians in the United States advising them of the
possible risk of stroke among elderly patients taking Risperdal.
The letter indicated that Johnson and Johnson had modified the Risperdal
label so that practitioners were aware that:
… " there was a significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse
events in patients treated with risperidone compared to patients treated
with placebo. RISPERDAL has not been shown to be safe or effective in the
treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis " [ Click Here to
read the actual Risperdal "Dear Practitioner letter" ].
This came after Johnson & Johnson had received 37 reports of stroke or
related events like blood clots or hemorrhages, including 16 deaths.
As a result of these findings, Johnson & Johnson updated the warning label
on Risperdal to include more specific information about strokes in the
elderly. At this time it became apparent that Risperdal should not be used
to treat dementia because there is no evidence that it is safe or effective
in that capacity.
Risperdal has also been known to cause irregular headaches, muscle
weakness and spasms, high fever, constipation, weight gain, and
headaches.
People on Risperdal who have any or all of these side effects should
contact their doctor and discuss these problems with their doctor because
these conditions may be warning signs of serious illness.
Would you like to see more information regarding Risperdal?
CONCLUSION
Seroquel, Risperdal, and Zyprexa (as well as other atypical antipsychotics
such as Clozapine or Clozaril) are drugs with the potential to cause
dangerous side effects which should not be overlooked and should be
taken very seriously.
The issue of these risks has become more pressing as the drugs are now
being prescribed for adults with milder medical conditions and children
who may better off taking different drugs that are not associated with side
effects such as pancreatitis, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.
As with any drug, the critical consideration is whether the benefits of
taking these drugs outweigh the potentially dangerous side effects,
the rate of adverse incidents reported, and the cost of the drugs
themselves.
The option of prescribing older, less risky conventional antipsychotic
drugs is also a consideration.
Another factor which must be taken into account is the strong connection
between diabetes and schizophrenia which has been noted and studied
by scientists since the 1920s.
Patients with schizophrenia and other forms of mental illnesses develop
diabetes at a rate up to four times higher than the general population,
whether they are on anti-psychotics or not.
This is due to the fact that people with schizophrenia often display many of
the risk factors associated with diabetes such as a sedentary lifestyle, a
lack of good medical care, a poor diet, and a high rate of obesity.
The research surrounding Seroquel, Ripserdal, and Zyprexa is still
developing.
It is the opinion of many physicians that although people with
schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses are already at a
greater risk of developing diabetes.
However, if a patient did not have diabetes before being prescribed
an atypical antipsychotic such as Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, and
developed symptoms shortly after beginning a regimen on any of the
above medications, then it is possible that the drug may responsible
for their deteriorating physical health.
See Also: Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Information Database
Seroquel (Quetiapine Fumarate )
Seroquel, manufactured by AstraZeneca, is an oral medication used to
manage the symptoms associated with schizophrenia such as delusions
, thought disorder, hallucinations, social withdrawal, lack of energy,
apathy, and reduced ability to express emotion.
The drug, which was approved by the FDA for marketing in 1997, affects
a broad range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin
receptors. It is also sometimes used to treat the mania associated
with bipolar disorder.
News of Seroquel's side effects and emerged as a result of observational
data released at a medical conference in Philadelphia which showed that
patients on Seroquel had 3.34 times as many cases of diabetes as those
on older antipsychotics such as haldoperidol.
Towards the end of August, 2003, news of side effects associated with
Seroquel became widely publicized and caused the value of
AstraZeneca's stock to decrease by almost one percent.
Soon after, the law firms of Parker & Waichman and Aylstock, Witkens &
Sasser announced that a class action lawsuit had been commenced in the
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on behalf of
all those who had used Seroquel.
This lawsuit contends that AstraZeneca was aware that Seroquel was
associated with a high occurrence of diabetes, but they did not take steps
to adequately warn doctors or patients in the United States of this
potential risk.
The pending lawsuit seeks statutory, exemplary and punitive financial
damages from AstraZeneca for their alleged disregard of the well being
and health of the plaintiffs and class members (the people who took
Seroquel and subsequently developed diabetes).
In addition, the lawsuit also alleges that AstraZeneca aggressively
marketed and promoted Seroquel for "off label" use that was beyond
its FDA approved indications at the time in question.
AstraZeneca is accused of unfairly offering incentives to doctors and
other medical professionals in an effort to increase the number of
Seroquel prescriptions that were written.
The Seroquel class action lawsuit seeks to establish a medical monitoring
fund to pay for anyone who has taken Seroquel so that they can be tested
for diabetes and other blood sugar disorders.
On January 30th, 2004, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, the company
that markets Seroquel in the United States sent a "Dear Doctor" letter
to thousands of doctors throughout the USA. The letter indicated that:
"...Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with
ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in
patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including Seroquel."
[ Click Here to read the actual Seroquel "Dear Doctor" letter)
Side Effects and Comment Board
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Evidence suggests that children living in single-parent or step-parent households are more likely than children in households with 2 biological parents to be prescribed methylphenidate. I conducted a study of prospective data to investigate parental divorce as a predictor of methylphenidate use. http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/176/12/1711
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) in Canada
Senate of Canada hearings on child rights
(2005, 2006 & 2007)More .. Canadian Senate Committee on Human Rights - child rights hearings ... I think a committee that takes on the monitoring role and the education ...... We have children in school who have to be put on Ritalin because they are ...
side effects of Concerta: Side effect information
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Inability to sleep, nervousness, restlessness, lack of appetite.
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Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
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High blood pressure.
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Rapid heartbeats, abnormal heartbeats, chest pain or pressure.
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Celebrex, Strattera, Ritalin, and ADD Information
DRUG INFORMATION LINKS.
Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today proposed that makers of all antidepressant medications update the existing black box warning on their products' labeling to include warnings about increased risks of suicidal thinking and behavior, known as suicidality, in young adults ages 18 to 24 during initial treatment (generally the first one to two months). Health Canada found that there were roughly 20 to 30 cases of strokes in young children, roughly 10 or 12 sudden deaths, heart abnormalities. Just before the Feb. 9 FDA hearing, there were 51 reported cases of complications, deaths, strokes and heart attacks reported to the FDA MedWatch program. I have written testimony on the record for the Feb. 9 FDA conference. In fact, back in the 1990s, I testified in a Kansas City case for Mr. Gary Bell on behalf of his daughter Stephanie. She underwent heart surgery for what I think was a complication of her long-term Ritalin use. At any rate, Gary Bell and I did a freedom of information request for all the deaths and injuries related to Ritalin or methylphenidate, and for 1990-1997 there were 160 deaths from methylphenidate Ritalin. There were another 26 deaths for 1998 to 2000, 186 deaths for the decade. READ THE WHOLE STORY!
There are voluntary reporting schemes to MedWatch, 1 percent of actual incidents the FDA says. That means there may have been 18,600 for that decade. I have personally been consulted in about a dozen death cases, including Matthew Smith of Royal Oak, Michigan, which is just outside of Detroit. He and his parents had been coerced to stay on Ritalin from first grade to age 13. He suddenly fell over while playing with friends and died. At autopsy, his heart muscle was diffusely enlarged, scarred and infiltrated with fat. The medical examiner, Dr. Drakovic, a highly experienced pathologist, said there was no doubt in his mind that Matthew Smith died of long-term chronic amphetamine methylphenidate Ritalin poisoning.
Watch Codex Videos FOOD VS DRUGS
Ritalin from first grade to age 13. He suddenly fell over while playing with friends and died. At autopsy, his heart muscle was diffusely enlarged, scarred and infiltrated with fat. The medical examiner, Dr. Drakovic, a highly experienced pathologist, said there was no doubt in his mind that Matthew Smith died of long-term chronic amphetamine methylphenidate Ritalin poisoning.
What causes tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia?Video Clip: Big Bucks, Big Pharma Documentary
ANALEPTICS
Examples are Ritalin, Adderall XR, Biphentin and Concerta.
Used to treat inattention, distractibility, agitation, impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Approved by Health Canada for use with children.
Doctors in Canada recommended their use to treat children 17 and under an estimated 1,125,000 times in 2006.
ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTICS 4-year old Rebecca Riley, a Casualty of Psychiatric "Treatment"
Examples are Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel and Clozaril.
Neuroleptics WARNING! Should the use of neuroleptics be severely limited?
Used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and mania.
Not approved by Health Canada for use with children.
Doctors in Canada recommended their use to treat children 17 and under an estimated 363,000 times in 2006.
SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS
Examples are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Luvox and Anafranil.
Used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and eating disorders.
Not approved by Health Canada for use with children.
Doctors in Canada recommended their use to treat children 17 and under an estimated 360,000 times in 2006.
Sources: IMS Health Canada, Health Canada
Ritalin's reign
Ritalin, the brand name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, has been the drug of choice to treat children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for nearly 40 years.
Developed by the pharmaceutical company Ciba in 1954, it was initially prescribed to adults as a treatment for depression, chronic fatigue and narcolepsy.
Beginning in the 1960s, the central-nervous-system stimulant began to be prescribed to hyperactive children for its calming effect. In particular, it increased the time children could stay focused on an activity.
During the 1980s, prescriptions in the United States for children really began to climb. Canada wasn't far behind, with the psychotropic drug's popularity soaring in the 1990s. Prescriptions were up 500 per cent from the previous decade.
Pediatricians began to take notice of the worrying trend and recommended in 2000 that Ritalin be prescribed only in very limited circumstances, and, even then, only for as long as necessary.
Worldwide, about 75 per cent of Ritalin prescriptions are for children, with four times as many boys on it as girls.
The Public Health Agency of Canada in 2004 reported that many adolescents were taking Ritalin as a recreational drug to stay awake, to increase attentiveness, to suppress appetite and to get high.
Research out of Atlantic Canada found that about 8.5 per cent of children in Grades 7 to 12 had taken Ritalin for non-medicinal purposes, compared with 5.3 per cent who were prescribed it.
The safety of Concerta (methylphenidate), a central nervous system stimulant commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in young children, has recently been called into question after the FDA released data showing a link between ADHD medication use and a risk of sudden death.
On February 9, 2006, the FDA voted 8 to 7 in favor of requiring the most serious type of warning label for Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin and all other ADHD drugs. The black box warning is being added in response to the FDA findings that suggest there is a strong link between the use of ADHD medications and an increased risk of sudden death and serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks.
The FDA found more than 200 reports of psychotic behavior episodes and 16 deaths in children taking the drug since the medication was introduced to the public over five years ago. Other drugs in Concerta class, such as Ritalin, Adderall and Strattera, were found to cause similar effects.
Since being introduced to the market, Concerta has quickly become one of the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, as more youngsters use Concerta, the number of adverse reactions continues to rise.
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Documented Concerta Side Effects:
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Death
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Mood changes, delusions, depersonalization, hallucinations
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Increased heartbeat, blood pressure
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Bloody stools
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Uncontrolled movements: tics, Tourette Syndrome
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Insomnia
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Chest Pain
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Skin inflammation and peeling
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Vision impairments
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Loss of appetite
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Rapid weight loss
Neuroleptic use, parkinsonian symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and associated factors in child and adolescent psychiatric patients.
Richardson MA, et al.
Am J Psychiatry 1991 Oct;148(10):1322-8.
This study evaluated the rate of occurrence of drug-induced parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia in a cohort of 104 children and adolescents treated with antipsychotic drugs in a psychiatric hospital. Of the 104 children, 61 were found to have risk factors for the development of parkinsonism and 41 had risk factors for the development of tardive dyskinesia. Of the children with risk factors, 34% developed parkinsonism and 12% tardive dyskinesia. These data indicate a high rate of severe and disabling complications in neuroleptic-treated children and adolescents, indicating that these drugs should be given only when absolutely necessary and for the shortest period of time. http://www.garynull.com/Documents/Iatrogenic/latrogenic_psychiatry_children.htm
Teen Screen, Cynical Deception, Dangerous Illusion
By Allen Jones, Former Investigator, Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General
As human beings we have a strong natural impulse to protect our kids from harm. As a society we create norms, laws and institutions to protect, educate and nurture our young. Consciously and instinctively we safeguard our children.
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Drug Companies Still Peddling Risperdal and Zyprexa For Off-Label Use 
June 17, 2006. By Evelyn Pringle
According to Kelly O'Meara, author of the newly released book, Psyched Out, America has a drug problem. "It's not as covert as those illicit and illegal "Just Say No" drugs," she says, "but, rather, Americans have become drug users by way of being diagnosed as suffering from one or a number of alleged mental disorders."
"Sharing one's feelings with a doctor," she warns, "more often than not is all it takes to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and prescribed a mind-altering drug to "treat" the disorder."
According to O'Meara, "scattered data from a variety of sources provide a shocking glimpse at not only the direction the drugging of America is heading, but also," she says, "the number of Americans being labeled as mentally ill."
One of the top classes of over-prescribed drugs are the new generation of atypicals antipsychotics that were adopted because of claims by drug makers that they were safer, more effective and produced fewer side effects than the older antipsychotics.
However, over the past several years, drug companies have been forced to admit to misleading the FDA, physicians, and consumers about the deadly side effects associated with these drugs including an increased risk of suicide.
According to Harvard trained psychiatrist, Dr Stefan Kruszewski, "the new generation of antipsychotics substantially increase the risk of obesity, diabetes type II, hypertension, cardiovascular complications, heart attacks and stroke."
"The drug causes both a severe metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular problems," he explains, "at the same time that they continue to cause neurological side effects like the older typical antipsychotics."
Pfizer Zoloft Warnings to Canadian Doctors Contrast to US - FDA Caves In to Pharma lobbying Thu, 10 Feb 2005 The FDA has, once again, quietly colluded with industry, compromising the safety of children's lives to maintain drug manufacturers' cash flow. http://www.ahrp.org/infomail/05/02/10.php
Overmedication of Children 'Troubling,' Say Experts
Psychotropic drugs Experts are warning that rising numbers of Canadian children are being over-medicated with psychotropic drugs.
Adolescents on Neuroleptic Medication: Is This Population at Risk for Tardive Dyskinesia?
Stephanie A McDermid, HonBSc1, Jane Hood, PhD2, Sandra Bockus, RN3, Enzo D'Alessandro, MD, FRCPC4
Objective: To assess the incidence of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in a sample of adolescents treated with neuroleptic medication and to identify the presence of any risk factors for TD within the affected group.
Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 40 cases. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was used to measure side effects from medication at 6-month intervals over 2 years. Drug exposure was converted to chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalents and the presence of risk factors for TD, such as a diagnosis of affective disorder, medication noncompliance, early age of illness onset, and concomitant antiparkinsonian medication, was also noted.
Results: Of the 40 cases reviewed, 2 patients (5%) met diagnostic criteria for TD, and another 5 patients (12.5%) showed symptoms of TD.
Conclusions: TD is a serious risk at any age. Medication noncompliance, early age of illness onset, and concomitant use of antiparkinsonian medication may increase susceptibility to TD and should be carefully monitored.
Psychiatrists have been encouraged to prescribe these very toxic drugs in irresponsibly in cocktails--mixing SSRIs and antipsychotics. The deadly consequences have often been attributed to "natural causes." However, AHRP board member, Dr. Stefan Kfruszeuski, has documented evidence of patients--including children--in state care who suffered, some died as a result of antipsychotic drugs.
Canadian Regulators Withdraw ADD Drug Linked to 20 Sudden Deaths Thu, 10 Feb 2005 Canadian regulators - but not the FDA - have withdrawn a Adderall, a pssychostimulant drug prescribed for children with so-called ADHD that has been linked to 20 sudden deaths linked to the drug - of which 14 were in children. "The adverse reactions were not associated with overdose, misuse or abuse of the drug, the department said."
Evidence of Neuroleptic Drug-Induced Brain Damage in Patients: Recent Findings Corroborate high incidence of drug-induced movement disorders: Of 125 patients with neuroleptic (dopamine blocking) drug-induced movement disorders who had been referred to a specialized clinic to differentiate the predominant movement disorder, 63% had tardive dyskinesia, 30% had parkinsonism, 24% had dystonia, 7% had akathisia, and 2% had isolated tremor. Two or more movement disorders coexisted in 31 patients (25%).
CCHR's Public Service Booklet
  Psychiatric Drugs & Your Child's Future
This very easy to read 16-page booklet simply asks parents to become aware of their options: question the information given them that their child has a "chemical imbalance" in the brain requiring a drug that could cause hallucinations, psychosis, suicide and death.
"Psychiatric Drugs & Your Child's Future" doesn't dictate what parents must do; it just tells them to use their best parental judgment. However, in order to do this, they need to be informed.
CCHR's Whitepapers
 12 Recent Teen/School Shooters Under The Influence of Psychiatric Drugs
 International Warnings on Psychiatric Drugs Causing Hostility, Aggression, Homicidal and Suicidal Behavior/Ideation
 Psychiatric Drugs and Anger Management Curricula: A Perspective on School Violence
Studies on Antidepressant-Induced Violence:
PLoS Medicine Study by Psychopharmacologist David Healy, "Antidepressants and Violence: Problems at the Interface of Medicine and Law"
"Suicidality, voilence and mania caused by SSRIs: A Review & Analysis" by Psychiatrist Peter Breggin
"SSRI's, Drug Withdrawal and Abuse: Problem or Treatment?" — University of Newcastle
Study in "Behavioral Neuroscience" on increased aggression in juvenile hamsters: "Differential Responsiveness to Fluoxetine During Puberty"
Expert Discussion:
Dr. Joseph Glenmullen, a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, appeared on ABC "Primetime Live" to discuss the often-unrecognized side effects of antidepressant drugs
Article:
Washington Times Insight Magazine "Guns & Doses, The Common Link in the High-School Shootings May Be Psychotropic Drugs Like Ritalin"
Related Sites:
Click here to visit SSRI Stories, a collection of more than 2,000 stories involving violence, suicide, etc. relating to antidepressants
CCHR's Public Service Announcements
Contact Us At: durhamfpa@gmail.com
Child and Family Services Act Best Interests of the Child Report on the Rights of Children Is It Politics or Good Practice? Accountability on children's rights
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